performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 

pə-

1

a

: the execution of an action

b

: something accomplished : deed, feat

2

: the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation

3

a

: the action of representing a character in a play

b

: a public presentation or exhibition

a benefit performance

4

a

: the ability to perform : efficiency

b

: the manner in which a mechanism performs

engine performance

5

: the manner of reacting to stimuli : behavior

6

: the linguistic behavior of an individual : parole

also : the ability to speak a certain language compare competence sense 1c

Synonyms

• account
• interpretation
• reading
• rendition
• version

Examples of performance in a Sentence

This evening's performance will start at 8 o'clock.

The hall is usually used for orchestra performances.

The critics loved her performance as the villain.

A supervisor will evaluate each employee's performance.

employees with strong job performances

Employees are given an annual performance assessment.

The gas additive improves engine performance.

an increased level of performance

We've introduced new performance levels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Steven Alker followed a record-setting performance Friday with a 2-under 70 and shares the lead with Padraig Harrington at 12-under 132 after the second round of the Simmons Bank Championship on... Already a subscriber? —Robert Yates, arkansasonline.com, 27 Oct. 2024

The luxury market has seen a mixed performance with economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges affecting businesses worldwide. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024

Still, Tesla has been on a tear this week, rising 22%, after a blockbuster earnings call and report fueled its strongest performance since 2013. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024

Lesh’s five shows at the venue this March, marking his 84th birthday, were among his final live performances before his death on Oct. 25. —Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perform + -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing performance

• command performance
• high performance
• performance art
• performance-enhancing drug
• pre-performance
• repeat performance
• specific performance

Kids Definition

performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 

1

a

: the doing of an action

b

: something accomplished : deed, feat

2

a

: the action of representing a character in a play

b

: a public presentation

3

: the manner in which something performs

an engine's performance

Legal Definition

performance

noun

per·​for·​mance

1

: work done in employment

unsatisfactory performance

2

a

: what is required to be performed in fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation

substituted a new performance in novation of the contract

b

: the fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation

— part performance

: partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation

: a doctrine which provides an exception to the Statute of Frauds requirement that a contract be in writing by treating partial performance and the acceptance of it by the other party as evidence of an enforceable contract compare partial breach at breach

— specific performance

: the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation

: an equitable remedy that requires a party to fulfill the exact terms of a contract, promise, obligation, or decree mandating a remedy and that is used when legal remedies (as damages) are inadequate

the common law prohibition against specific performance as a remedy for alleged breach of employment contract

—Chady v. Solomon Schechter Day Schs., 645 N.E.2d 983 (1995)

compare injunction

— substantial performance

: performance of the essential terms of a contract, promise, or obligation

a contractor is not entitled to a lien in the absence of substantial performance

—Casa Linda Tile & Marble Installers, Inc. v. Highlands Place 1981 Ltd., 642 So. 2d 766 (1994)

: a doctrine which permits a party (as a builder) that acted in good faith to recover from the other party to a contract for a performance that departs in minor respects from what was promised compare material breach at breach

3

: a public rendition or presentation of an artistic work